Just as injured Daniel Briere and Scottie Upshall look to make their return, the Flyers hit another injury snag.
Early in the first period of the 3-2 win against the Vancouver Canucks Tuesday night, Simon Gagne was hit awkwardly into the boards by Kevin Bieksa and came up gripping his shoulder. The injury was listed as an upper body injury, forcing Gagne to miss the rest of the contest. What was initially feared as a separated shoulder that would keep Gagne out months, was listed as just a sprain that will put the nine-year Flyer on the bench only 7-10 days. Gagne has 18 goals and 22 assists in 36 games this season and is ranked 13th in the NHL in points with 40.
Arron Asham also missed Tuesday’s game with what is listed as a slight knee injury. He is day-to-day and will be a game-time decision Friday night, when the Flyers take on the Anaheim Ducks.
Firsts
Rookie prospect Claude Giroux scored his first NHL assist 3:16 into the first period, when his pass landed on the stick of Matt Carle, who pushed it to Jeff Carter for the opening goal of the game. With the loss of Gagne, Giroux moved up to the first line, next to Mike Richards and Mike Knuble and did not look out of place.
Rookie Jon Kalinski scored his first NHL goal, putting the puck past reserve goaltender Cory Schneider. The Minnesota State grad’s goal late in the second period ended up being the game-winner.
Cote went town with a torn oblique. Gratton, known as one of the better small enforcers in the league, earned 31 penalty minutes in 11 games for the Flyers and played his role quite nicely. His skating gave the fourth line of Jon Kalinski and Aaron Asham an energy that impressed the Flyers’ brass, who would like to keep him around. Gratton will likely pass through waivers and end up back in the AHL. If Gratton continues to play in the Flyers’ organization, fans will be happy to know it likely won’t be the last time his suits up in the orange and black.
Phila.Bright 